Hamas to Return Another Hostage Body as Cease-fire Strains in Gaza

Gaza / Washington

The fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hamas continues to face significant strain as Hamas announced it intends to hand over the body of another Israeli hostage — adding complexity to the truce agreement which saw 28 deceased hostages returned earlier, with 16 still unrecovered.

Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 68,200, with over 170,000 injured since October 2023, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The revelation of 135 mutilated Palestinian bodies previously held in Israel’s Sde Teiman detention centre sparked further outrage and intensified scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in the war.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned Hamas that any violation of the truce would result in “eradication”, signalling continued American backing for Israel’s actions. At the same time, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner plan to visit Israel to reinforce diplomatic and security ties.

Efforts to rebuild Gaza are underway, with reconstruction estimated at US $50 billion. Discussions in Cairo are addressing proposals for an international stabilisation force and technocratic governance in Gaza — explicitly excluding Hamas from participation. Aid deliveries remain delayed due to security and logistical hurdles.

Implications:

The hostage-return negotiation remains a key barometer of the truce’s durability.

The humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to escalate, raising questions about long-term peace and reconstruction.

U.S. involvement and statements suggest the war’s geopolitical reverberations will persist beyond the Middle East.